I became an "accidental landlord" when I planned to sell my condo during a slower market but realized I'd be leaving money on the table, so I decided to rent it out instead. What pushed me over the edge was seeing comparable units sitting unsold for months while rental demand in the area was strong and immediate. It went well overall, but my biggest mistake early on was underestimating how much time tenant screening and lease structuring actually take—I rushed my first tenant decision and paid for it in late payments and minor property damage. I learned quickly to treat it like a business: detailed contracts, thorough background checks, and clear communication upfront save you a lot of stress later. Another lesson was pricing—slightly under market rent brought in stronger applicants faster and reduced vacancy time. My advice is to run the numbers realistically, including maintenance and downtime, and not assume passive income—it's active, especially at the start. I plan to hold the property for now because it's generating steady income and appreciating, but I'm open to selling if market conditions shift significantly.